Researchers Use Dental X-Rays to Identify Patients With Osteoporosis

Researchers at the University of Manchester School of Dentistry in England have created a way of identifying patients with osteoporosis using dental X-rays.

The Manchester team developed a software-based approach to detecting osteoporosis using routine dental X-rays, also called radiographs, by automatically measuring the thickness of part of the patient's lower jaw.

Health care professionals use radiographs widely in the National Health Service in England to examine third molars and gums for disease, as well as during routine examinations.

To harness these high use rates, the team drew on "active shape modeling" technology developed by the Division of Imaging Sciences of the University of Manchester to automatically detect jaw cortex widths of less than 3 millimeters — a key indicator of osteoporosis — during the radiographic process.

"Our automated X-ray test immediately flagged-up over half of these," Dr. Horner continued. "The patients concerned may not otherwise have been tested for osteoporosis, and in a real-life situation would immediately be referred for conclusive DXA testing."

"As well as being virtually no extra work for the dentist, the diagnosis does not depend on patients being aware that they are at risk of [developing] the disease," Dr. Hugh Devlin explained. "Just by introducing a simple tool and getting health care professionals working together, around two in five sufferers undertaking routine dental X-rays could be identified."

"The test might even encourage older women to visit the dentist more regularly," Dr. Devlin added.

X-RAYS

Overview

X-rays, also known as radiographs, are an essential part of any dental care treatment plan. They are diagnostic, but they can also be preventive, by helping a dentist diagnose potential oral care issues in a patient’s mouth before they become a major problem.

What X-RAYS Show

Intraoral X-rays are the most common type of radiograph taken in dentistry. They give a high level of detail of the tooth, bone and supporting tissues of the mouth. These X-rays allow dentists to:

Find cavities

Look at the tooth roots

Check the health of the bony area around the tooth

Help diagnose periodontal disease

See the status of developing teeth

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X-RAY Procedure

X-rays are typically performed in the office of a dentist or dental specialist. Here is what to expect:

Preparation – first a dental professional will cover you with a heavy lead apron to protect your body from the radiation. Next the dental professional will insert a small apparatus, made of plastic, into your mouth and ask you to bite down on it.

Execution – the technician will then proceed to take an X-ray picture of the targeted area. This process is pain-free and will be repeated until images have been obtained for your entire mouth.